Build a development program that builds community trust.
Community foundations bridge the gap between generous donors and diverse community needs, yet too many struggle with outdated practices that leave opportunity—and impact—on the table. We help you build comprehensive development programs that maximize donor engagement, increase funding, and amplify your community impact.
Trusted Perspectives
“The Heaton Smith Group played an instrumental role in our matching challenge grant campaign to raise funds for our unrestricted endowment. This was a major endeavor for our foundation, and their support throughout the entire process was invaluable. Heaton Smith’s collaborative approach with our staff, board, and campaign committee volunteers helped us meet our campaign goal! We are incredibly grateful for the guidance and expertise provided by their team.”
Holistic support to unlock opportunity and grow your foundation.
Asset development best practices
Align your organization with proven strategies that increase fundraising efforts through lifetime and legacy gifts, building a sustainable program for the long term.
Professional advisor partnerships
Deepen your bench of experts with our network of trusted partners, and develop comprehensive strategies for advisor outreach and affiliate services.
Donor-centric planning services
Train your internal team to lead sophisticated donor conversations, from donor acquisition and relations to DAF co-funding strategies and high-level stewardship practices.
Maximize engagement, amplify impact.
Specialized services for community foundations
We provide comprehensive development program counsel tailored specifically to your foundation’s unique needs.
Foundation-specific program development
Donor-facing presentations tailored to fundholders and prospective donors
Values-based legacy planning for higher capacity families
DAF front-loading strategies to maximize donor-advised fund impact
Internal infrastructure
Development plan with community foundation-specific metrics
Job descriptions aligned with foundation roles
Case statement reflecting your unique community position
Marketing strategy for diverse fund types
Gift agreements for all foundation giving vehicles
Comprehensive capacity-building
Staff training on gift vehicles and the gift planning conversation
High-level stewardship for major fundholders
Professional advisor partnerships unique to community foundations
Prospect cultivation across all donor segments
Professional advisor partnership strategies
Continuing education programs positioning you as the philanthropic expert
Outreach strategy to become advisors’ preferred charitable partner
Referral systems that generate consistent fundholder growth
Community foundation gift planning program FAQs
Community foundations require unique strategies balancing unrestricted giving, donor-advised funds (DAFs), field of interest funds, and organizational endowments. They must serve as philanthropic hubs connecting diverse donors with multiple nonprofits while building their own sustainability. Our services address DAF co-funding strategies, affiliate support, professional advisor partnerships, and nonprofit grantee relationships specific to community foundations.
Professional advisor engagement is critical for community foundation success. We develop comprehensive advisor partnership programs, including continuing education sessions, referral systems, and collaborative gift planning strategies. Our approach positions your foundation as advisors’ preferred charitable partner, generating consistent fundholder growth and strengthening planned giving relationships.
Community foundation clients report doubling assets under management, tripling fundholder numbers, and becoming recognized as their region’s philanthropic leader. Specific outcomes include increased donor-advised fund creation, successful legacy society launches, stronger professional advisor referrals, and enhanced relationships with nonprofit partners. Most see 50-100% growth in planned gifts within three years.